Auckland, Auckland New Zealand

Auckland, Auckland New Zealand

Auckland, AucklandNew Zealand

See New Zealand’s Marvelous North Island

Spend 10 days exploring the North Island with a Hobbiton™ Movie Set visit, dolphin watching, a vintage railway ride & more.

About Your Trip

Journey around the central and far north regions of the North Island, a diverse countryside of mountains, forests, pasturelands and islands. You’ll get a glimpse into its amazing natural beauty of lakes, waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, public gardens and sheltered bays.

Start your adventure in "middle earth" at Hobbiton Movie Set, the filming location for several blockbusters like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” Continue to a forest park known for exotic tree species, including Californian coast redwoods, and then to a quaint city park on Lake Rotorua. Later, you’ll get superb views of the lake and city from way up high in a gondola. In Wai-O-Tapu, marvel at otherworldly geothermic activity followed by a visit to Huka Falls, series of waterfalls within a very scenic setting on Waikato River. Before heading back to Auckland, enjoy a guided tour of the mysterious Waitomo Glowworm Caves — 2 levels of caverns lit by tiny glow worms — and marvel at formations like the Catacombs, the Pipe Organ and the Banquet Chamber. You’ll end the day at Hamilton Gardens, a public park on the Waikato River.

And your wonderful trip doesn’t stop there! You’ll travel north toward Paihia in the Northland Region of New Zealand. On the way, stop at Kauri Museum to learn about pioneering days in the area. In Paihia, climb aboard a catamaran for the chance to see dolphins, whales and other mammals as you cruise the bay, around islands and past the famous Hole in the Rock. Then, jump on a vintage steam railway train for a ride around the picturesque countryside before you hop on another boat to transfer to Russell Island, a small town full of history as the country’s first capital. Traveling back to Auckland, you’ll stop at the scenic Whangarei Falls and then learn about the Maori culture.What we love:• At Hobbiton Movie Set, see fascinating structures and gardens built for the films such as Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, a double-arched bridge and more.• The tallest Californian coast redwood tree in Whakarewarewa Forest stands at 236 feet (72 meters) high and is 66 inches (169 centimeters) in diameter.• There are dramatic displays of rising sulfurous steam, spouting geysers and bubbling streams in Wai-O-Tapu.• Hamilton Gardens features themed areas, including the English Flower Garden and the Japanese Garden of Contemplation.• While on Russell Island, be sure to stop at the Duke of Marlborough Tavern, New Zealand’s oldest licensed pub.

What's Included

Your DreamTrip includes 10 days and 9 nights* in Auckland, New Zealand, as well as:• Full-day walking tour of Hobbiton Movie Set.• Full-day tour of Rotorua.• Full-day tour of Wai-O-Tapu.• Full day tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves.• Full-day tour of Kauri Museum.• Half-day dolphin-watching cruise.• Full-day tour of Paihia with a ride on Bay of Islands Vintage Railway.• Full-day tour of Whangarei Falls and Maori culture.• Transportation and gratuities for the tour guide and driver for all tours (excluding the dolphin-watching cruise).• English- or Chinese-speaking guide.• 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners.• An In-destination Support team member will be provided on this trip. Their goal is to ensure you have a great DreamTrips™ experience from landing to liftoff. They host a welcome reception on arrival day, attend scheduled activities throughout the trip, notify the group of itinerary updates and more.*Want to stay an extra night or two? Make the most of your trip with our specially negotiated prices for pre- and post-night stays! Click BOOK IT, then select from the options available at the bottom of the “Check Availability” section.

Transportation

Airfare is not included in the trip price! The closest commercial airport to the hotel is Auckland Airport (AKL), approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) away. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for any trip.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included in this trip. Make sure to arrange your own transfers between the airport and your hotel.

Destination

Considered to be one of the best places in the world to live, Auckland, New Zealand, is a modern, vibrant city known for its temperate, sunny climate and a unique location between 2 harbors. This “City of Sails” is ideal for all kinds of water-inspired activities, especially sailing and yachting. Natural wonders are found everywhere, from extinct volcanoes and marine reserves to picturesque beaches.

Rotorua, meanwhile, is one of the most popular destinations on the North Island and provides fascinating insight into New Zealand’s indigenous and geological heritage. This is one of the best places in the country to learn about traditional (and contemporary) Maori culture, while geothermal basins associated with the great Rotorua Caldera provide an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Located in the center of the North Island, Taupo is a quaint town on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country, and within the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Tourists head to this area to take advantage of the hot springs, thanks to geothermal activity, as well as to see Maori carvings discovered on rock faces.

Paihia, gateway to the Bay of Islands, is a small seaside resort town in the far north of the North Island. The area captivates tourists with its collection of 144 islands and plenty of options for outdoor activities, from mountain biking to sailing to island hopping.

Platinum Inclusions

On top of other exciting excursions, Platinum Members will be treated to an exclusive, per-person hot-springs experience on Day 3 while in Rotorua. Soak in water heated by geothermal activity beneath the ground. Besides being a place to socialize, hot springs claim to offer various health benefits, including improved circulation, pain relief and mental relaxation.

Day 3: Hot-springs Platinum experience; includes transportation.• 7:30 p.m.: Depart from the hotel.• 7:45-9 p.m.: Relax in the hot springs.• 9 p.m.: Transfer back to the hotel.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Auckland)

Arrive at the airport. Make your own arrangements for your transfer to the hotel. Check into the hotel at any time after 3 p.m.9 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Visit the welcome table in the hotel lobby.7 p.m.: Buffet welcome dinner at the hotel.Overnight at Grand Millennium Auckland.Day 2 (Auckland to Rotorua)

6:30-8:15 a.m.: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.8:30-9 a.m.: Check out of Grand Millennium Auckland.9 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Full-day walking tour of Hobbiton Movie Set; includes transportation and gratuities for the tour guide and driver.• 9-11:30 a.m.: Depart from the hotel and transfer to Matamata town center.• 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Free time for lunch in Matamata town center. Lunch is at your own expense.• 3-5 p.m.: Hobbiton Movie Set walking tour.• 5-6 p.m.: Depart for Rotorua.• 6 p.m.: Check into Copthorne Hotel Rotorua.The rest of the evening at your leisure. Dinner is at your own expense.Overnight at Copthorne Hotel Rotorua.

Day 3 (Rotorua)

6:30-9:45 a.m.: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Full-day tour of Rotorua; includes transportation and gratuities for the tour guide and driver.• 10 a.m.: Depart from the hotel.• 10:15-11:30 a.m.: Visit the Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest and then Government Gardens in Rotorua.• 11:30 a.m.: Depart for Rotorua city center.• Noon – 2 p.m.: Free time for lunch in Rotorua city center. Lunch is at your own expense.• 2-5 p.m.: Ride the Skyline Rotorua gondola and enjoy the beautiful view of Rotorua City and Rotorua Lake from hilltop. • 5 p.m.: Return to the hotel.The rest of the evening at your leisure. Dinner is at your own expense.Overnight at Copthorne Hotel Rotorua.

6:30-8 a.m.: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Half-day dolphin-watching cruise.• 8:15 a.m.: Gather in the hotel lobby.• 8:20 a.m.: Depart by foot to the pier.• 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Cruise the bay waters and look for sightings of dolphins, whales and other marine life.• 1 p.m.: Return to the pier.The rest of the day at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.Overnight at Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia.

Day 8 (Paihia)

6:30-8:15 a.m.: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Full-day tour of Paihia with a ride on Bay of Islands Vintage Railway; includes transportation and gratuities for tour guide and driver.• 8:30 a.m.: Depart from the hotel.• 9 a.m. – Noon: Take a ride on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway in Kawakawa.• Noon: Return to Paihia.• 12:30-2 p.m.: Free time in Paihia. Lunch is at your own expense.• 2-4 p.m.: Explore Russell Island.• 4 p.m.: Return to the hotel.The rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner is at your own expense.Overnight at Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia.

6:30-10 a.m.: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.The rest of the morning at your leisure until checkout and your flight.Check out of the hotel by 11 a.m. Make your own arrangements for your transfer to the airport.

Hotel Details

Grand Millennium Auckland is conveniently located close to the Viaduct Harbour as well as plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment venues. The largest performing arts venue in New Zealand, the Aotea Centre, is accessible by underground tunnel. Your hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows for lots of natural light. A rooftop Japanese garden provides a relaxing retreat at the end of the day.Hotel features:• 2 restaurants and 1 atrium lounge.• 1 heated indoor pool, fitness center and saunas.• Multi-award-winning Katsura Japanese restaurant serves delicious Teppanyaki-style meals prepared right in front of you.• Valet parking: 25 New Zealand dollars per day.

Pricing for children for the hotels may differ from (and be greater than) pricing for adults. Click BOOK IT to check. If the pricing for children differs from the pricing for adults, refer to the Policies section for further details.

Hotel Check-in Requirements

By booking this DreamTrip I understand that the hotels may request a credit card upon check-in. The hotels may request the credit card in order to: a) place a monetary hold of US$50-200; or b) hold for incidental, security or other charges. By booking, I acknowledge having received notice of this potential charge and accept that Rovia™ recommends a credit card rather than a debit or bank card be used in the event a hotel requests the card. I understand that any such request made by a hotel is outside of the control of Rovia and is strictly a hotel policy. Should I have questions concerning a hotel’s policy, I accept responsibility for contacting the hotel independent of Rovia.

Additional Information

Please contactTravel Support if you have special requests regarding bedding, meals or medical needs, or any other questions about this trip.

Please note: At the time of booking, you will see a page with your order number and trip cost. This is your confirmation. Please retain and bring this information with you on your trip.

Gratuities at the hotels are not included. We suggest you provide gratuities at your own discretion.

Please note: This DreamTrip is not recommended for expectant mothers, infants age 1 year and younger and adults age 70 years and older. Also, this trip is not recommended for guests with lower back pain or certain health conditions. Please consult your physician prior to booking travel.

Policies

Cancellation Policy*: If you cancel 91 days or more before the start date of your trip, you’ll get a refund of the amount you paid for the trip less a fee of US$50. If you cancel between 46 and 90 days before the start date of your trip, you’ll get a refund less a fee of US$100. If you cancel within 45 days of the start date of your trip, your trip will not be refunded. All fees are applicable on a per-person basis.

*This cancellation policy is subject to rules and regulations in applicable jurisdictions in which our travel supplier is based. Therefore, in the event of conflict between the cancellation policy displayed here and cancellation terms in supplier booking terms, the provisions of the booking terms will prevail.Name Change Policy: Name changes must be done no later than March 22, 2019 and are subject to a US$50 name change fee. Name changes after this date are not allowed.

Members can’t combine DreamTrips Points. Your membership level determines the maximum amount of DreamTrips Points you can use. If you have more than 50 Rovia Bucks, you can apply them in the checkout process.

Hotel/resort credits and/or discounts cannot be converted to cash, and any not used during your stay will expire immediately upon your departure. Member is responsible for paying any taxes that may be added to items purchased with hotel/resort credit.

In the unfortunate event that an activity or excursion is no longer available, we will substitute a similar activity of equal or greater value.

Make sure that your passport and visa, if applicable, are up-to-date before you leave! It’s important to double check that you have all the identification and other documentation required by the specific country you’re traveling to. In many countries, passports and visas must be valid for 6 months or longer after the trip end date. If you are unable to obtain the required identification and other documentation, the Cancellation Policy for this DreamTrip will apply.

Make sure that you request a name change or room change at least 31 or more days before the 1st day of your trip. Due to contractual supplier policies, we may not be able to confirm requested name or room changes to existing bookings for trips that are scheduled to travel within 30 days of your request.

Each individual, including each child, who is coming along with you on your DreamTrip is required to have a booking prior to the commencement of the trip. If you do not book and pay for each such person in advance of the trip, you will be charged the hotel’s then-current rate, not the trip price, for each such person at the time of your check-in.

Pricing for children is based on their age at the time of travel and may be subject to additional terms and conditions of individual hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Also, pricing for children can vary, and may be higher than pricing for adults. Therefore, before you book any travel, please check the relevant hotel or resort website for applicable terms and conditions as well as details regarding their pricing structure.

Pricing shown is for each person, and is based on 2 adults per room.

Please don’t consider your change requests official until you receive a confirmation email from us.